The State Bar may conduct an investigation of the conduct of the business of a law corporation.
Upon such investigation, the Board of Trustees, or a committee authorized by it, shall have power to issue subpoenas, administer oaths, examine witnesses, and compel the production of records, in the same manner as upon an investigation or formal hearing in a disciplinary matter under the State Bar Act. Such investigation shall be private and confidential and shall not be disclosed pursuant to any state law, including, but not limited to, the California Public Records Act (Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 6250) of Division 7 of Title 1 of the Government Code), except to the extent that disclosure of facts and information may be required if a cease and desist order is
thereafter issued and subsequent proceedings are had.